How can I network around the cold, impersonal government job hiring process?

August 21, 2008 6:03 PM

There's a job opening and it turns out I have a contact there. How can I make the most of it without just being told to "apply online"?

I'm an English major, and have been at an educational non-profit for a little over three years as a project coordinator. It's been great for the most part, although maddening at times, and I am seeking to leave my position for various reasons, among them a growing feeling of isolation (tiny staff, no support, sporadic contact with others), and little chance for more salary advancement if I stay put.

I think I could transfer my skills over to a position as a library assistant or technician (planning on eventually getting my MLIS). Lo and behold, a job opening appeared and I realized that I know someone who works in this particular library system. We met a little over a year ago through a mutual contact after I helped her get access to an event, and I'm sure she wouldn't mind at all if I got in touch even though it’s been a while.

The thing is, I don't have a clue what to ask her that would help my chances. Since this is a public library you have to apply through the tedious online government system, and I’m not sure if she could have any influence even if she wanted to. I can ask her for application advice, sure; but is there anything else I can do to make the best of this connection? The application has a space to list references--would asking her to be a reference (after sending her my resume) be too presumptuous?

Any advice would be appreciated. I'm a networking noob so you won't offend me if you state the obvious (which may not be obvious to me). Thanks!

posted by luckyveronica to Work & Money (3 answers total)

In general, the people you put as references on job applications should be people who know your work well, as in former employers and supervisors. You could send her your résumé and ask her to put in a good word for you with the person or people who'll be responsible for the hiring, though.

You could also ask her what buzzwords to avoid or to emphasize in your cover letter; in fact, if she's not involved in the hiring, and if she feels it would be appropriate, you could ask her to look over your cover letter to see how well it fits in with what she knows about how the people doing the hiring understand the position (for instance, if she knows they're looking for someone tech-savvy, you could emphasize your skills in that are; if they want someone with great community outreach skills, you could give more airtime to your volunteer work).

Good luck!
posted by Sidhedevil at 6:17 PM on August 21, 2008

If you can, make an appointment to talk with her informally on the phone (or meet in person) to ask her about the job: the organization, the job duties, and even about getting an MLIS and the field in general. Have some informed and intelligent questions ready, so she finds out how smart and prepared and pleasant you are. Depending on how that conversation goes, you may or may not feel comfortable asking her to be an official reference, but that most likely wouldn't be appropriate if she doesn't know you well. You want to make her see that you're capable and (maybe even most importantly) wouldn't be a pain to work with. Make sure she knows that you're really interested, and that you'd really appreciate it if she put in a good word for you. She doesn't need to be an official reference to do that, and having someone in-house who can confirm that you're competent and not insane can be worth a lot.

Also, if you have mutual acquaintances that know you well and that she would trust, you might ask them to mention you to her, too. Just for more independent verification that you're not trouble.

Even if you don't get this job now, this kind of conversation can still come in handy. I made a phone call like this that led to a job almost a year later.
posted by doift at 6:58 PM on August 21, 2008

Definitely talk and ask who reviews the applications and what they are looking for. If your acquaintance knows that person well maybe they could even put in a good word or at least mention your name. Having a name of the person or people reviewing the forms and interviewing will help. You can get to know those people by doing a little research ahead of an interview.
posted by JJ86 at 5:49 AM on August 22, 2008